Leaving a decent phone message seems like it would be a no-brainer, right? Unfortunately, not always. All too often Mr. Mumbles, Ms. Fast-Talker, and Mrs. Nocontactinfo leave messages. Yet the difference between a good message and a bad one might mean landing that next role or not. Casting directors and agents wont always be available, they are busy people if they are doing their job right, so its YOUR job to make sure you are understood and make it easier on them.

Here are some phone “dos”:

Slow down.

It’s true that no one wants to listen to a five-minute phone message, but there’s no need to leave a fast-talking voicemail. Slow down and speak clearly. Nothing is more frustrating than having to listen to a voicemail four or five times to understand the message… Or, as I often have to do, have someone else listen to it to see if they can understand what the person is saying (they usually have the same luck I have).

Explain why you’re calling.

I receive a ton of messages from people who simply leave their name and number. When I call them back, it turns out I’m not the person that can help. If they had left the specifics in their voicemail, they wouldn’t have wasted my time or their time with a call back that didn’t solve anything. Be specific.

Leave complete information.

For two days in a row I received a voicemail from a woman who left her first name and company but no phone number. I tried calling the general company line and asking for her but without a last name the large company could not help me. She ending up getting a hold of my secretary and leaving an angry message that I never got back to her. Trust me, I would have if she left the appropriate information.

Also, don’t assume that the person you’re calling has your information, even if you spoken to them before. It’s always appreciated when you leave a call back number; it saves the recipient from having to look up your number.

Repeat. Repeat again.

Say your name and phone number and then say it again. You should say your information at least twice, if not three times.